Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Introduction

The Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a show-stopping dessert that combines a soft, spiced pumpkin sponge with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling. Its striking spiral appearance makes it perfect for holiday celebrations, special occasions, or a cozy autumn treat. The combination of warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese filling creates a dessert that is both comforting and elegant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and presentation. The pumpkin sponge is incredibly soft and moist, while the cream cheese filling is smooth and slightly tangy, which balances the sweetness beautifully. Rolling the cake to create a perfect spiral gives it an impressive look, making it feel like a dessert worth celebrating. Plus, it’s easier to make than it looks, and the aroma of pumpkin and spices baking in the oven is irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This pumpkin roll is a must-try because it takes a classic autumn flavor and turns it into a stunning centerpiece dessert. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any festive occasion. Its vibrant orange hue and creamy filling create a visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. The combination of flavors and textures is universally appealing, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling & Filling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 320 per slice

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Holiday Treat

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla in another bowl.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Spread into pan and bake 15 minutes.
4. While warm, roll the cake in a towel. Cool completely.
5. Prepare cream cheese filling. Unroll cake, spread filling, and roll again. Dust with powdered sugar.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
6. Roll Cake While Warm: Immediately upon removing the cake from the oven, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the warm cake onto the towel, peel off parchment, and gently roll the cake with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape (about 30 minutes).
7. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
8. Fill & Re-Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border along the edges. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel.
9. Finish & Garnish: Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

How to Serve

Slice the pumpkin roll into 1-inch pieces and serve as a dessert or sweet treat with coffee or tea. It also works beautifully as part of a holiday dessert table.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracks.
• Use a generous dusting of powdered sugar on the towel to prevent sticking.
• Ensure the cream cheese is soft for easy spreading.
• Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variations

• Chocolate Pumpkin Roll: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the cake batter.
• Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Replace 1 tbsp of vanilla with maple extract.
• Nutty Roll: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
• Spiced Roll: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg or add ginger for extra spice.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Jelly roll pan (15×10-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towel
• Electric mixer (optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake and roll the cake a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and fill with cream cheese before serving.

Q2: Can I use a different filling?
A: Absolutely! Whipped cream or mascarpone filling works well.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q4: Why did my cake crack when rolling?
A: The cake wasn’t warm enough when rolling. Roll it immediately after baking and let it cool in the rolled shape.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a classic fall dessert that impresses with both flavor and presentation. Its tender pumpkin sponge, spiced aroma, and creamy filling make it perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings. Though it looks intricate, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a show-stopping dessert your friends and family will rave about. With its versatility and stunning spiral appearance, this pumpkin roll is a must-have recipe in any dessert repertoire.